Thursday, January 27, 2011

Part III. Chapter XXIV. BAPTISM AND CONFIRMATION

340. What is Baptism?
Baptism is the sacrament which first gives to our souls the new life of sanctifying grace, cleanses us from original sin, makes us children of God, members of the Church of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of heaven.
341. Does baptism remit actual sins already committed?
Baptism remits actual sins already committed and all the punishments due to them, if the person receiving it has true sorrow for his sins.
342. Who can give the sacrament of Baptism?
Every person has the power to give Baptism, but, except in case of necessity, only a priest can lawfully give it.
343. How does a person give Baptism?
A person gives Baptism by pouring water on the head of the person to be baptised, saying at the same time: I baptise thee in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.
344. Is Baptism necessary for salvation?
Baptism is necessary for salvation, because our Divine Lord has said: Unless a man be born again of water and of the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God (John iii, 5).
345. Can persons be saved who have not received the sacrament of Baptism?
They who have not received the sacrament of Baptism can be saved by martyrdom, which is called Baptism of blood, or by perfect contrition, which is called Baptism of desire.
346. What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is the sacrament through which the Holy Ghost is given to us, with his graces and his seven gifts, to make us strong and perfect christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ.
347. Who has the power to give Confirmation?
The bishop is the ordinary minister of Cnfirmation, but, in his absence, the parish priest can give it to a person in danger of death.
348. How does the bishop give Confirmation?
The bishop gives Confirmation by the imposition of hands, making the sign of the cross with chrism on the forehead of the person to be confirmed, and saying: I sign thee with the sign of the Cross, and I confirm thee with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.
349. Why does the bishop give those he confirms a stroke on the cheek?
The bishop gives those he confirms a stroke on the cheek to remind them that they are soldiers of Christ, and that for his sake they must be ready to suffer anything, even death itself, rather than deny the faith.
350. What is necessary to receive Confirmation worthily?
To receive Confirmation worthily it is necessary to be in the state of grace; and they who have reached the use of reason should be sufficiently instructed in christian doctrine.
351. What is the special grace given in Confirmation?
Confirmation gives us a special help to profess our faith with fortitude and to die rather than deny it.

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